CALTECH LINDE +
ROBINSON LAB FOR GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

The Caltech Linde + Robinson Lab for Global Environmental Science represents a historically significant academic building. The original 38,686 square foot Robinson astrophysics laboratory building was built in 1932 to engineer and house the Palomar telescope. In addition, the building contained a solar telescope (coelostat) which extended 60-foot below the sub-basement floor and an astrological observation dome on the roof.

The project is pursuing the USGBC’s highest rating of LEED Platinum and will be constructed to be a model of resource and material efficiency. Highlighted sustainable elements for this project include daylighting via the historic coelostat, hydrogen fuel cells for main and backup power, aircuity lab monitoring system, concentrated photo voltaic system for main power, solar thermal heating of domestic water and industrial water, an energy consumption and carbon footprint monitoring system, a lighting and power control system, energy efficient laboratory equipment, 100% rainwater harvesting, a 76% reduction in energy use and zero net electrical consumption off the grid when the photo voltaic and hydrogen fuel cells are on line.

The scope of work consists of the preservation and restoration of the historic architectural elements of the building, strengthening the existing shear walls, a new exit stair and elevator to access the lower levels, a new light well to draw light into the lower levels, refurbishment of the existing celeostat and optics to make them operational, a complete build out of new laboratories on the lower levels, build out of the upper levels into professor and student offices, code upgrades including accessibility and life-safety systems, site hardscape and landscape, and commissioning of the building systems.